Finishes and Finishing

Find finishing techniques, tips, and tricks including stains, water-based and oil finishes, dyes, exterior finishes, and urethanes. You'll also learn how to create your own finishes.

What type of respirator should I use for spray finishing?

I recently bought an HVLP sprayer. So far, I’ve applied water-based finishes while wearing just a cheap respirator. I’d like to get a better respirator for spraying other types of finishes.

Choose a humidity-fighting finish for bathrooms

What finish would best protect the front and sides of a bathroom vanity and medicine cabinet?

How do I clear a clogged aerosol can nozzle?

How do you keep the nozzles of spray adhesive cans from clogging?

Which finish should I use on window casements?

I am in the process of refinishing wooden casement window frames. What kind of finish should I use?

Which clear finish should I use for figured wood?

I picked up a stunning piece of birch with an exceptional flame pattern grain. How can I finish it to show off the patterns while retaining its light color?

What's the best finish for kitchen cabinets?

Please recommend a finish to use on maple kitchen cabinet doors. I don’t know the existing finish, but it didn’t hold up to being splashed with water from the sink.